Tower Issue #4 2012-2013

Tower The Masters School

February 4, 2013

Volume 69, Number 4

The Masters School, 49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

Sandy Hook shooting triggers gun control debate by Johanna M. Costigan Editor-in-Chief

Photo illustration by Tyler Pager

GUN CONTROL IS CURRENTLY a hotly contested issue throughout America because of the recent surge in gun-related violence. The weapon pictured above is an airsoft gun. Read pages six and seven for more information about the issue.

While our nation collectively mourned the loss of 26 innocent individuals after the shooting in Newtown this December, nearly two dozen guiltless schoolchildren in Hong Kong were stabbed and cut by a violent offender who simply walked into their school and wordlessly attacked them. While both incidents are undoubtedly tragically sick, their distinctive outcomes speak for themselves: the victims of the shooting in Connecticut were killed, those in Hong Kong all survived. As reported by CNN, Dr. Ding Xueliang, a professor at the University of Science and Technology, said, “The huge difference between this case and the U.S. is not the suspect, nor the situation, but the simple fact that he did not have an effective weapon.”

According to gunpolicy. org, in China, civilians are not allowed to possess firearms of any kind. Government-issued firearms are given exclusively to those in legitimate need of them. Gun restriction in the United States, however, is complicated, convoluted and is decided on a caseby-base basis depending on the state. Particularly in light of the most recent shooting in Connecticut, however, federal efforts are in the works to curb gun-related attacks and strengthen regulation for purchasing and possessing firearms. “We have to do something,” Vice President Joe Biden said. He deemed the recent slew of gun incidents throughout the nation as an “epidemic.” According to a recent New York Times article, Biden is working on crafting a gun control proposal that holds the potential to accu-

mulate bipartisan support. It is unlikely, however, to generate support from exclusively pro-gun groups such as the National Rifle Association (N.R.A). David Keene, the N.R.A. president, is disgruntled by Biden’s efforts, to say the least. In an official statement, in reference to Biden’s crusade against gun control, “This is somebody who’s bombastic and really does think that anybody who disagrees with him is not only wrong but crazy.” Due to the robust presence of gun advocates in Washington and throughout the nation, the Obama administration is aware of the reality that the proposed ban on “military-style assault weapons” is unlikely. The N.R.A. released a statement claiming that the White House has an “agenda to attack the Second Amendment.” The N.R.A issued a statement continued on page 10

Hindley and Frost embrace new adventures after years of service by Sofia Linden News Editor

Next year, students and faculty will have to adjust to two major administrative changes at the school. Both Head of the Upper School Chris Frost and Dean of Students Priscilla Hindley ‘66 are ending their tenure at Masters. Hindley and Frost both announced their retirement early this fall to Head of School Maureen Fonseca, who sent a letter out to faculty and parents on Dec. 5. Frost has worked at the school for 12 years, will be moving to his house in Maine. He has been closely involved in the community by his Maine house for decades and he said many

Opinion

local businesses there are run by his former students. “Every summer, even when we were working in Switzerland, we came back to that house in Maine,” he said. “It’s been our major home, even as we’ve moved place to place.” The school is special to him too, and the positive atmosphere is something he will miss. “This is a school where people look for the best in each other,” he said. “People feel supported in being who they really are and not someone they aren’t.” Hindley, who began working at Masters in 1975, will retire to New Hampshire. “It’s been wonderful, complicated and exciting,” she said of her time

at Masters. “One of the things I love about this job is not knowing what’s going to happen. No day is the same as the previous day.” Despite what she loves about Masters, Hindley said she feels it is time to move on. “I know this is the right decision, but every day I question it.” Adriana Botero, Associate Head of School for Faculty Affairs and Program Development, will be launching two faculty advisory groups, which will be faced with the task of giving feedback and recommendations regarding who they believe should replace the two administrators. Despite the comprehensive interview and search process,

Botero said, “Ms. Hindley and Mr. Frost are going to be very difficult to replace.” Botero explained some of the criteria necessary for potential replacements for Head of the Upper School. She said they are looking for “someone who can lead by example, who is a good listener, who looks for consensus wherever possible.” She also explained that they are open to the search of internal candidates and external candidates.” Junior Olivia Lifflander, who has been at Masters for six years, said, “My biggest fear is people coming in who don’t know a lot about the school.” She said, “I’d like the new Head of the Upper School to be passionate.”

Features

Examining the pros and cons of hydraulic fracking

Exposing gun control at Masters, in America and beyond

Page 4

Pages 6 & 7

Photo by Tyler Pager

PRISCILLA HINDLEY AND CHRIS FROST will retire from their administrative roles at Masters after this year. Their departure will bring in a new era as Hindley, who graduated from the school in 1966, and Frost, who has spent the past 12 years here, have been central figures at the school.

Sports Checking-in with winter sports teams Photo by Tyler Pager

Page 12

Photo by Bob Cornigans

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newsbrief Downs leaving after one year Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Christopher Downs will be leaving Masters after only one year at the school. This year, he spent two months traveling around the world promoting Masters throughout South America and Asia. Downs spent the last 21 years as the Director of Admissions at The Hotchkiss School. Head of School Dr. Maureen Fonseca notified the faculty of his departure in the middle of January. In the notice, she invited faculty to fill out a survey on what they feel are necessary qualities for Downs’ successor. Fonseca, along with a search committee, will be working with the Baker Group, an enrollment management consulting firm, to hire a new Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid. - Tyler Pager

Additional Check-ins For Boarders In December, Associate Dean of Students Tim Weir informed the boarding community of new rules concerning check-ins. Boarders are now required to check-in with the dorm parent on duty during brunch and dinner, on Saturdays (and school holidays), and during brunch on Sundays. According to Weir, the school implemented additional check-ins due to concerns of students’ safety. However, for weekend trips to New York City, upperclassmen boarders are now only required to travel with at least one other student, as opposed to two. The new changes took effect in January. - Teerin Julsawad

New alumni director joins community Kathy Kozar P’02 started working at Masters as the new Director of Alumnae/i Relations on Jan. 2, 2013. Kozar previously worked in the private sector in a sales position for 10 years before coming here. She graduated from Marymount College ,where she received a degree in food and nutrition. As a parent of Matt Kozar ’02, she is delighted to some familiar faces she had met when her son who studying here. Kozar kept close relationships with some faculty members. When Sujata AdamsonMohan ’01 told Kozar that her job was opening, Kozar applied for the job. - Wen-Xuan Ni

TOWER/February 4, 2013

NEWS

One year later: Faculty evaluate the effect of the ACR In the fall of 2011, the administration instituted the Athletic Credit Requirement (ACR) for the incoming freshmen class, the Class of 2015. The ACR requires students to participate as members of interscholastic teams for three out of six seasons during their freshman and sophomore years; at least one of these seasons must be in ninth grade. Students can also receive credit through Dance Tech II and III, Dance Company and the Winter Musical. In November, Tower conducted a school-wide survey to gather the community’s response to the ACR, one year later. Tower is publishing the results as part of a three-part series. This is the second edition.

by Tyler Pager Editor-in-Chief

The Athletic Credit Requirement (ACR) is the product of a school-wide initiative to increase student participation in athletics. However, a recent poll shows the faculty and administrators disagree on the importance of the ACR. When faculty members were asked if they agree with the administration’s view that the ACR is an important component in creating a well-rounded educational experience, 38.5 percent said “to some extent,” 30.8 percent said “yes, completely,” and 23.1 percent said “not at all.” However, of the administrators, 42.9 percent said “yes, completely” while no one said “not at all.” Associate Director for Athletic Development Matt Kammrath, who was a member of the ACR committee, said that the committee had two main goals. The committee wanted to ensure that every student that graduates from the school gained the values that come with playing on a team sport. Second, they wanted to find a way to populate the teams. “We looked at what a number of different schools had,” he said. “There are the athletic powerhouses that require students to play a sport every single season, and then there was us, without a requirement. We wanted to be in the middle.” While Kammarath is very pleased with the growth of the programs, he does see how the requirement can be difficult for students. “I like the concept of three seasons, but we all know kids can be over scheduled,” he said. “It can be tough to fit it all in a day.” This is what troubles English Department Chair Darren Wood. “Mr. McCann told me that a Brown admissions officer said that private schools are taking the edges off of students through lots of homework and mandatory co-curricular involvement and, as a result, students don’t have something

that define them,” he said. “I’m the last person to say we should listen to a college admissions officer, but I do agree that our edges define us; it’s what get us out of bed in the morning. The ACR further stretches students and is taking the edges off them.”

School Culture Questions have also been raised about the culture of the school and whether or not it has changed or will change due to the implementation of an athletic requirement. Known for having a creative student body, the school has always placed an emphasis on the arts. However, students and faculty alike wonder if this will change. Dean of Students Priscilla Hindley does not foresee any dramatic change. “The culture of the school changes a bit every year, as it should,” she said. “But, we aren’t requiring six seasons--only three-and there’s a lot of time and a number of different ways for students to participate in creative activities.” K a m m r a t h agrees with Hindley. “A pure jock doesn’t come to Masters,” he said. “There are pure jock schools like Brunswick or Greenwich Academy. We are not that and we never want to be there. We want a kid who is good at sports and can also be in the play.” While Wood said it was too early to say, he hopes the culture will stay the same. “The great gift of Masters is that we have a very eclectic and diverse group of students,” Wood said. “The school also has an incredible capacity to let students and faculty be themselves, which is very unique for schools and I want to keep that.” However, Assistant Athletic Director Mikelle Sacco believes that the school still could be more diverse. “If we want to be diverse, that includes everything,” she said. “We need

to be diverse in every aspect of the word. Athletes are in the minority here.”

The Non-Athlete Director of Dance Mary Rotella still worries about the students who are not athletically inclined. “I think that there are pros and cons to the requirement,” she said. “On the positive side one of my reluctant advisees did end up enjoying her team sport and it was a great experience for her. I am sure this is the case with many of our students. On the other hand I worry about the kids that are just not athletically inclined. Do they feel humiliated? What does it feel like emotionally for them to play in front of the entire community or not to play at all?” She added, “In a perfect world, I wish we didn’t require students to compete in sports but encouraged them to do so. This has worked well for the arts with our humanities courses. The classes provide a safe environment for everyone to explore the arts; we don’t make them perform in front of the whole community.” However, Richard Simon, Modern and Classical Languages Department Chair, believes that the primary value of the ACR is for the non-athlete. “I have probably had the most growth as a person doing the things I was least comfortable doing,” he said. “For me, that’s the core value of the ACR. It’s specifically pushing people to do things they don’t feel comfortable doing.” Moreover, Simon is not worried about those who are serious about the arts because they have the ability to apply for an arts exemption. However, the arts exemption is not easy to acquire, as at least two students have been denied in the past week. Currently, the arts faculty is drafting a proposal to submit to the Academic Committee that

Photo by Jun Hyuk Choi

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS OF ADMISSION ALEX SHERIDAN AND ANDREA DINIZO coach the girls varsity basketball team along with Associate Director of College Counseling Art McCann. The three faculty members are among many who coach sports teams in addition to their other responsibilities.

would create a committee to review the students applying for an arts exemption. “We are changing the process to make it more formal,” Hindley said about applying for an arts exemption. “We want to make it clearer because it is ad hoc right now.”

Admissions With a new focus on athletics, many question the impact it will have on the admissions office. Associate Director of Admission Andrea DiNizo ’02 has yet to see the ACR affect admissions. “People don’t decide to enroll or not enroll because of the ACR,” she said. “To a certain extent, the ACR shows the school is committed to athletics, but the ACR is more about the individual student learning values from being on a team.” DiNizo added that it is too early to tell whether or not the ACR will impact admissions and its effect may take years. “The ACR allows us to attract more of the population,” Sacco said. “Before we were only pitching to one area and we were limiting who was looking at our school.” DiNizo also said that the ACR has not altered the admissions office’s standards for admitting students. “The first thing we

The administration views the Athletic Credit Requirement (ACR) as an important component of creating a well-rounded educational experience. Do you agree? 45 50

40

35 30

Faculty

25 42.9%

20 15 10

28.6%

30.8%

23.1%

5 0

Administrators

38.5%

7.7% 0%

Not at all

To some extent To a fair extent Yes, completely

Graphic by Tyler Pager

look at is academics,” she said. “If a student cannot succeed academically, we won’t take them. We then look at how the student can contribute to the school community and we don’t have any quotas for athletes or artists.”

Future of the ACR With the ACR only a year-and-a-half old, the administration is still working out the details. “There are still other questions we have to answer,” Hindley said. “What does a medical exemption mean in terms of the ACR? We have to be clearer, in an effort to be fair.” Another question that is still being answered is what happens to students that do not fulfill the ACR. Kammrath said that there will be a punishment for the students, and that the requirement will not just carry over to the next year. But, the specifics of this penalty have yet to be determined. The faculty and administration also acknowledge the negative feedback from the students. “Students don’t like to be told what to do,” Hindley said. “I understand that. They have very little say in their schedules in ninth and tenth grade and the ACR is another thing that legislates what they are going to do.” Kammrath echoed Hindley’s comments saying that everyone is not going to be in favor of it. “It’s like the language requirement,” he said “Some students don’t see the value initially, but later on in life, they understand why the school had the requirement.” Rotella hopes that sometime in the future the school will not need the ACR. “I think right now the requirement may be necessary to build our athletic program,” she said. “My hope is that this will happen quickly and we will attract strong numbers of students for both sports and the arts and then we won’t need a requirement.”

TOWER/February 4, 2013

NEWS

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Re-branded Special Olympics returns for 31st Olympic Games newsbrief by Teerin Julsawad Features Editor

The day that the community is brought together by fun games, athletic activities and bouncy castles seems like a distant memory. The student body was met with disappointment last year when it was announced that Special Olympics would not be returning for 2012 due to budget cuts. After learning of the cancellation, Director of Community Service Amy Atlee admits it struck her by surprise. “We were very shocked and sad at that news,” she said. “I called the new director and told him that we really wanted Special Olympics to happen. Unfortunately there was nothing we could do.” Atlee’s strong determination to get the program reinstated resulted in Hoops for Hope, a fundraising event held in early March last year. The school-wide event raised over $2,500, which contributed to the funding of the Special Olympics program and resulted in its return.

The new Special Olympics Co-Chair Julia Yankelowitz reflected on her memories of the event. “I had so much fun at Special Olympics two years ago,” she said. “It was the best day ever for me.” Yankelowitz believes she was picked as CoChair because of her passion for the event. “I think they realized how much fun I was having, and I couldn’t be happier for it to be back.” The program, now called Young Athletes’ Program, will focus further on building skills for young children with intellectual disabilities. “I think it represents the focus on athletic preparation and it signals an official change within the Special Olympics program,” Atlee said. “We want to include more foundational skills that will improve the children’s physical, cognitive, and social skills. This is what we have always done in Junior Games, but now it is an official program with better funding which should help keep it vital in the future.”

Town passes Rivertowns Square Proposal

Photo by Bob Cornigans

A YOUNG ATHLETE PLAYS with Winnie the Pooh at the 2010 Special Olympics. Special Olympics will return to Masters this year on March 10 after it was cancelled last year due to budget cuts.

The program does not only focus on physical development for kids, but also helps them expand their social skills through interactions with other kids on the playground as well. Atlee acknowledges that the program does not only reward the children, but also their families, and the community. “Families can get to see that their special needs child can have a future in sports,” she said. “They

can come meet other parents, form support groups, as well as see their child as a star. It’s also a chance for our students to spend time one-to-one with special needs kids and understand what it is like to live with a disability. Junior Ross Lillienfield, who serves as the Vice Co-Chair for Special Olympics, shared his excitement for the program. “I’m really happy it’s back as I was part of it a

few years ago,” he said. “It’s really great to see the kids have so much fun out there and their parents get a little time off as well.” Although Special Olympics will make its return this year, Hoops for Hope’s legacy will also continue. Due to its popularity, the senior Class of 2013 plans to bring it back in April this year as their MISH project. The money raised from the event will go towards funding of future projects.

Community celebrates the life and legacy of MLK by Sang Bae

Advertising Designer

Martin Luther King Jr. established a legacy that upholds some of the greatest ideals of modern America. A single day cannot serve to honor the holistic sense of King, but Senior Associate Director of College Counseling and Academic Affairs Christine Scott and French teacher Marie-Suzanne Raabon created an event that attempted to embody the essence of the

man’s words. The annual two-day celebration took place on Jan. 17 and 18 with the theme of courage. “Every year, we think of a new theme to spur the imagination of the community,” Scott said. Raabon added, “We come from Dr. King’s ideals and philosophy.” Ultimately, Raabon and Scott want the MLK Day celebration to leave an impact on both graduating seniors and college alumni. Liz Groombridge ’12, a freshman at Reed College,

said that the celebration does represent a large part of the community. David Hoff, ’12, a freshman at University of California at Berkeley, appreciates the fact that Masters attempts to improve the world through action, whether it be the MLK celebration or Special Olympics. “It reminds the community of how doing something to improve the well-being of people can be, and has been, successful,” Hoff wrote.

Senior Hunter Lamar has participated in the celebration for four years and said it has greatly impacted his life and career. “Martin Luther King Day has really allowed me to develop as a performer and musician,” Lamar said. “It has required me to explore myself and really tell a story with the presentations.” Senior class president and Phoenix club president Liam McAuliff said, during the first MLK day planning meeting, “In the same

way Halloween exists for teachers to show their immaturity, MLK day exist for teachers and students to show their maturity.” Lamar continued, “I encourage every underclassman to base their presentations out of honesty,” Lamar said. “No matter now big or small your performance is, if it is honest and comes from the heart, it will always be appreciated and will always mean something to at least one person in the community.”

The Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees approved the Rivertowns Square proposal in early January by a vote of 4-3. The Rivertowns Square, a new shopping and entertainment complex to be constructed in Dobbs Ferry, will be located between the Saw Mill River Parkway and Lawrence Street. The Square will include an apartment building with over 200 units, retail shops, restaurants, a Mrs. Greens gourmet supermarket and a Sundance Cinemas complex with eight theaters. Dobbs Ferry residents are hesitant to support the project, mainly due to an expected drastic increase in traffic, which they say the neighborhood cannot afford. - Johanna M. Costigan

Model UN team wins seven awards The Model United Nation club brought home seven awards at this year’s Yale Model United Nations Conference. Junior Sabrina Stanich and sophomore Leyna Zniber won best delegate for their performance as representatives of Bahrain in the Arab League. Other students won outstanding delegate for various performances: Senior Max Borowitz played Harry Clay in the Patriot Conspiracy. Sophomore Al Daibes represented India in UNDP and senior Tyler Pager acted as reporter Gupta in The Wall Street Journal Press Corps. Honorable mentions include senior Kaan Domnez for representing India in SocHum, senior Raphael Norwitz as South Africa in the African Union and Sophomore David Mancione as India in EcoFin. - Sang Bae

Dobbs 16 places 4th at Regionals

Photos by Tyler Pager and Eve Wetlaufer

STUDENT SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS, as well as keynote speaker Christ Frost, shared talent and insight during the MLK day celebration. Musical interludes from groups such as The Dobbs 16 (top right) and The Rhythm Society (bottom right), keynote speaker Chris Frost (bottom left) and Onyx and The Debate Club (top left) are just a few highlights from this year’s festivities. Senior Hunter LaMar said, “We had the best MLK day this year since I’ve been at Masters.”

The Dobbs 16 placed fourth out of ten groups at the National Semi-final of High School A Capella. Their 12-minute set included an original rendition of Kanye West’s “All of The Lights” arranged by senior Hunter LaMar, followed by collegiate-level arrangements of M-Pact’s “Without Your Love,” and The Doobie Brothers “Takin’ it to the Streets.” Junior Nick Flammia took home the award for Outstanding Vocal Percussionist. Mike Chin from The A capella Blog described the group’s sound as “contemporary and aggressive,” complimenting Dobbs 16’s dynamics, blend and stage presence.

- Wen-Xuan Ni

4

TOWER/February 4, 2013

Op-Ed

Debating the timing of hydraulic fracking do it now

by Noah Buyon Web Editor-In-Cheif

With a name that lends itself to an unrelenting array of unseemly puns, fracking has become the most fashionable thing to hate of late. This technique for extracting natural shale gas in the nooks and crannies of the earth has been the subject of bombastic attacks by environmental groups, who’ve vilified the process and the industry surrounding it with scary stories of combustible hydro-pollution or artificial earthquakes. Though fracking carries with it the risks inherent to all energy production, its current reputation is undeserved-- it can be done safely. So, in a time when America is in dire geopolitical and economic straits, properly-regulated fracking can be the foundation of something of a renaissance. With our annualized GDP growth still hovering in the sluggish 1-2 percent range, our country is in sore need of a stimulus. The shale gas industry has grown by 45 percent annually since 2005 (according to The Economist)-in 2010, it supported over 600,00 jobs, and is expected to create an additional 250,000 in two years. This year, gas companies invested around $90 billion in other American industries, with their shale gas extraction projected to net a $75 billion consumer surplus. The good news doesn’t stop there, though. Last year, President Obama noted American

extraction is a resource that shale gas reserves can last us is done shoddily-- good by Lily Herzan is too plentiful to be left unover 100 years. Retrieving regulation can preclude News Editor tapped for no reason. But that gas through fracking can that. A recently leaked NYS It all comes down to there is reason, and lots of it. give us a net exporter of fuel Health Department report on The The main problem is that for the first time in 62 years, fracking corroborates this. natural resources. per the WSJ, and we can only A final concern is that shale question of hydraulic frac- there is simply not enough expect to sell more gas abroad gas is just as bad for the envi- turing pits our dependence unbiased research to deem in the future. The percent- ronment as traditional petro- on water against our de- fracking safe for people the environment. age of traditional petroleum leum. In fact, it’s not: an inter- pendence on natural gas, and The process of hydrauwe now import has fallen to national energy agency study and it has been left up to 42.5 percent, making us less concluded that CO2 emis- our country’s politicians lic fracturing releases pesusceptible to OPEC’s sway. sions will drop by 1.3 percent to make choices about troleum from the earth by Environmentalists have percent in 2035, assuming the what is most important. creating immense pressure Pro-frackers argue that with millions of gallons of long argued that the fracking extraction and usage of shale process contaminates drink- gas continues on pace. Clear- the process of hydraulic water, sand and frack fluid, ing water and leaves harm- ly, this isn’t nearly anywhere fracturing, AKA “fracking”, a mix of chemicals, many ful chemicals strewn around in the neighborhood of good will supply the country with of which are toxic. Studdrilling sites. The Heritage enough. But, until alternative a much-needed source of ies have been conducted on Foundation reports fracking energy sources become viable energy, while decreasing the safety and regulation of actually occurs 7,500 feet be- on a large-scale, fracked shale our dependence on foreign hydraulic fracturing. Howlow aquifers, and the drilling gas seems like the least evil oil. They maintain that nat- ever, many studies were fluid used is composed 99.5 means of powering our world. ural gas obtained from shale sponsored by energy companies hoppercent of ing to profit water and from the new sand. The t e c h n o l o g y. Economist Hydraulic goes to say, fracturing un“so long as earths many well-shafts environmenare proptal concerns. erly sealed, The process there is itself creates hardly any air pollution, risk that toxic waste fracking and water conwill poison tamination. In groundPennsylvania, w a t e r. ” where fracking T h e is legal, many kind of residents near pollution shale extracseen in tion sites have documencomplained taries like of mysteriGasland Graphic with permission from Al Granberg and ProPublica ous health occurs THE GRAPHIC ABOVE describes the intricacies of the process of hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic only when fracturing or “fracking” extracts natural gas from the earth by using gallons of water and a mixture problems and blackened f r a c k i n g of chemicals that creates fissures in the earth.

Tower 2012-2013

wait for later

Editors-In-Chief: Johanna M. Costigan and Tyler Pager Web Editor-In-Chief: Noah Buyon News Editors: Lily Herzan and Sofia Linden Opinion Editor: Alex Minton Features and Arts Editors: Teerin Julsawad and Jackie Liu Sports Editors: Abigail Costigan and Wen-Xuan Ni Managing Editor: Casey Chon Photo Editor: Declan Considine Web Content Manager: Kiera Wilson Advertising Designer: Sang Bae Columnists: Max Borowitz, Nick Fleder and Ryan Rosenberg Staff Photographers: Bob Cornigans, Sam Miller, Ken Verral and Eve Wetlaufer Contributing Writers: Daniel Barnett and Rajan Cutting Contributing Photographers: Jun Hyuk Choi Contributing Artist: Al Granberg Faculty Adviser: Ellen Cowhey

The Masters School 49 Clinton Avenue Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 Volume 69, Issue 4

Distribution Process Tower is hand-delivered on the day of publication to the Upper School. 500 copies are printed, and one is put in each faculty member’s mailbox. In addition, a copy is sent to each of our advertisers.

Scholastic Press Affiliations and Letter Policy Tower is an award-winning member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA), Journalist Educators, and Quill and Scroll. E-mail TowerEditors@Mastersny.org to send Letters to the Editor. See the subsequent page for information regarding letters to the editor. Published approximately eight times a year, Tower, the student newspaper of The Masters School, is a public forum, with its Editorial Board making all decisions concerning content. Unsigned editorials express views of the majority of the Editorial Board.

drinking water. There have even been reports of flammable tap water. Water contamination is one of the risks of hydraulic fracturing. Frack fluid and methane gas seep into fissures and contaminate ground water that heads to wells and reserves. The result is contaminated drinking water for thousands of families. On top of that, the process of fracking uses two to five million gallons of water per well, at a time when fresh water is becoming more and more scarce. In New York State, where fracking permission is currently being hotly debated, water is particularly important. New York watersheds are all interconnected, and condoning fracking poses the risk of widespread water contamination across the state. Pro-frackers argue that hydraulic fracturing could lead to economic profit and temporary ease of dependence on foreign oil. However, the risks are huge and largely unknown. Not enough research has been conducted to assure the public that hydraulic fracturing is safe for people, and the environment. This lack of information means that New York State has to be cautious: now is not the time to pass pro fracking legislation. Without proper thorough scientific research, and public consent, fracking cannot begin in New York State.

Gripping freedom by the second amendment by Jackie Liu Features Editor

Bam! Bam! Bam! goes the gun. Amidst the screams, the blood, and the running, one emotion prevails in this scene—terror. Those are the stories that the media covers. Soon enough, the public is swept by an anti-gun flurry; politicians are pressed for stricter gun regulations and firearms quickly become the devil incarnate. Groups throughout NYC have marched, demanding stricter gun control in wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School calling for a ban on assault weapons and large magazines. There is nothing wrong with that; regulations should be much stricter in many states. It is far too easy for one to receive a gun for purposes unknown. However, calling for the right of gun possession does nothing more than to lay the groundwork

for a police state. “Insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensable of duties,” said Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette who served in both the American Revolution and the early phases of the French Revolution. The United States holds the right of the second amendment to do just that purpose, to protect themselves from unjust governments and stay away from the threats of dictatorial politicians that have existed in so many places throughout history. For example, in 1938, Adolf Hitler expanded gun rights to all except the Jews who he restricted in their entirety. As a result, the Jews were at a combative disadvantage that cost many of them their lives. Many have purported the belief that countries that ban guns, such as China, are safer for their citizens. However, think

of China’s governmental system and how people have little to no say in the political workings of their leaders. There’s no threat of uprising for all the weapons belong to the government. Is that what we want the United States to become? Currently, gun policies are often far too lenient. For many states, one has to apply for a license, sign a contract and pay for a piece of mechanized metal. Restrictions and background checks are a must for all gun holders. As well, permit renewals should be cut from five years to around to 1-2 years to keep the guns and gun holders in the system in check. However, guns should not be obliterated from the streets of our country. They are part of our culture, our history, our creation and our very being. End the public flurry and cease the rage. Guns are not the cause for all the wrongs and have made the country what it is today.

TOWER/February 4, 2013

Stars and Stripes with Nick Fleder

Op-Ed

Honest Abe, then & now

Letter to the Editors: John Chen apologizes for his senior speech Dear Masters Community, On December 14, I chose to make a senior speech that was immature, inconsiderate of my audience and morally degrading to those mentioned in my speech. I had a choice when I stepped on the stage that day to make a responsible and respectable speech that could have still created an entertaining atmosphere; however, I chose to make a speech that was irresponsible and disrespectful to my audience, visitors and even myself. In my presentation, I incorporated images and phrases that were racist, appalling and delivered sexual connotations. I immaturely thought that my audience would only look at those hidden connotations as humor. When I finished the speech that day, I immediately realized the inappropriateness

of my speech. I not only selfishly took my crowd to a level of extreme immaturity, but also created disappointment amongst students, faculty, and teachers that have respected me for the past four years. After going home that day, I heard about the shooting in Connecticut, which fostered a deeper understanding of the severity of my mistake that morning. While five and six year old children were confronting their mortality, I was making a joke out of my four years at Masters. I contemplated my actions over the weekend and realized that every component of the speech was inappropriate for my audience. I not only risked my own Masters career, but I also endangered the senior speech privilege of giving a senior speech. On top of that, I

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detracted from Evan Zhang’s senior speech because people were so shocked by mine. I entertained my own thoughts at the expense of many other people. After talking to students and teachers, I thoroughly understand all the mistakes I made within ten minutes of a morning meeting presentation. With that in mind, I would like to once again apologize for my inappropriate senior speech, for disappointing the class of 2013, as well as the teachers who have taught me and seen me grow throughout my Masters career and for demonstrating poor judgment in front of the underclassman. I hope everyone can learn from my mistakes and not only respect one another on stage, but also in everyday actions.

It was a century and a half ago, Abraham Lincoln’s finest year. The nation was plagued by polarization in the political sphere, rooted from a distinctive set of battles: black versus white, slavery versus freedom, and unity versus secession. And out of the ugly struggles shined a hero still revered today, our 16th President, who set a bar so high in leadership and vision that not one of our modern leaders of the free world, it seems, can reach it. Lincoln stretched his power to its tautest point, thinly walking the line of Constitutional right and wrong; he controversially suspended habeas corpus, and caused uproar when he seized Southern slaves under his perceived war powers. What guided him – in his Emancipation Proclamation and his Gettysburg Address – was a strong moral compass, and he used deft politics, careful consideration of his power, and great courage to ultimately reach his ends of a Thirteenth Amendment and a Civil War victory. 1863 is not all that far off from 2013. One issue in particular, once again, seems world breaking,

and at fault for a good deal of the widening gap between the party aisles in our legislative bodies. What will be the defining issue in our American time, I would argue, is the spiraling, compounding debt, and the past decade and a half of anti-progress on the matter. And, without a doubt, the debt has considerably more grey area than an issue like slavery. There is no one answer better than another in how to balance spending cuts and tax increases, and how to get $16 trillion as close to zero as possible. This makes the prospects of a single person taking a Lincoln-esque lead all the bleaker, as no one person – particularly in this matter – has a monopoly on the truth or proper direction. But both eras, in the political sphere, share a certain air of chaos and desperation: as if the failure to solve the issue of the day – and to temper Congressional tempers – would mark the end of glorious America in its functional, all-powerful state. What separates our era from that of slavery, though, is what is markedly missing: the wise direction and leadership that Lincoln gave his people.

While the system has been complicated and layered many times over – as now the moral obligation to tackle the debt comes with a hefty price tag, whether it be cuts to widely used social programs, a downsizing of our military, or extra millions from a wealthy pool of individuals – the leadership of our day still seems unwilling to take a firm stand. The issue is a loaded one, yet there are millions of right answers – millions of ways to clot the bleeding – stacked against a glaring wrong one. To treat it as anything less than a foundation-threatening virus spreading rapidly is dishonorable. What I crave is an Abraham Lincoln to guide us: someone unwilling to sit by the wayside as injustice presides, someone committed to doing anything within his power to achieve his vision, and someone focused on the legacy of the nation rather than his own. There is no more time for kicking the can down the road, as the minor tax increases amounting to less than a trillion dollars in revenue over the next ten years did. Where, one is left to wonder, is the honest, brave Abe of our times?

Dear Editors,

In our increasingly technological world, one thing is certain: the vast amount of knowledge at a student’s fingertips is truly awe-inspiring. Through the internet, information is free and plentiful, which is a double-edged sword. Any student or member of our school can find enough text to fill books on any topic imaginable, all the while sitting back and commanding their troops the search engines. The internet is the

world’s most influential innovation since the dawn of time. The internet allows us, as students more than anyone, to socialize. I would wager about 90 percent of the student body here at Masters has a Facebook. I admittedly love Facebook, probably more than any of my friends, and yet I simultaneously hate it. It is commonplace when one makes a Facebook to fill in information about yourself: age, hometown, religious views, sexual orientation, etc. Would it help my potential

Facebook friends discover me if it told them I’m from Alberta, Canada or whether I’m gay or straight? Are there really that many people with my name running around? Most people wouldn’t give a thought about who sees something when they post it. Nine times out of ten, they would just post it. Facebook’s default setting is friends of friends. I find this appalling. Why would I want something I post to be seen by someone I don’t know? Yet it doesn’t stop

there. Facebook is known to allow colleges to view someone’s profile and posts with no connection to them. Facebook’s default setting for people allowed to see things you post is friends of friends. I find this appalling. Why would I want something I post to be seen by someone I don’t know or know but not want them to see it, yet they see it simply because we share one mutual friend? Colleges should not be allowed this right. They won’t get the information they need.

I’d wager every student with a Facebook here at Masters would say that they wouldn’t act in a college classroom or community activity the way they act on Facebook. On Facebook, a profanity isn’t often used in anger or hate. I might swear on Facebook. I would never swear in front of my college professor. Take care of your Facebook. Only friend or accept requests from people you consider your friends in real life, or who you know well and enjoy.

To you people with 700 or so friends, I understand you try to friend every person you know exists, but why?Are you in some sort of twisted competition? Is every one of those people a real friend to you? Facebook is here, so embrace it. Have fun. I believe it to be a place where we can all relax and hang with friends, even if they are halfway across the globe. Just keep your mood on Facebook light and have a good time. It exists for our enjoyment.

30. A statistic printed all over our admissions material. A number used the sell the school. 30– the number of not only countries, but distinct cultural backgrounds from which our students come from. These students bring unique worldviews straight to the Harkness table and provide an indispensable perspective. The diversity present at our school is unmatched by most of our peer schools.

The international community is not limited exclusively to students, however. Many of our faculty, staff and administrators come to Masters from around the world. As a community, therefore, we should be accustomed to addressing cultural gaps individuals may have. However, the recent expulsions of two new international students have brought to light the immense challenges international students face as they wrestle with the

cultural contrast between Westchester County, New Yorkandtheirhomecountries. Violent acts and precarious possessions, such as guns of any sort, are unacceptable on a school campus. The decision to bring a gun onto campus was a poor one, particularly given the fact that just the day before, the country was informed of the Sandy Hook tragedy. But it is true that the presence of alcohol, drugs and weapons are much

more commonplace in certain other countries. It may seem obvious that these items are unacceptable on campus, but if they are ingrained into a student’s culture, he or she may not think twice about their presence, even at school. This situation highlights the need for more support for our international students during their transition to the school and the country. We urge the administration to implement

orientation programs and peer support groups for new international students. The programs should review the handbook in great depth. The peer support groups should match new international students with returning students from the same country or region to focus on country or region specific differences. While this type of peer support inevitably happens on its own for many students, it is unfair to assume

that every student has the opportunity or feels comfortable reaching out to a peer for help. A formalized program, however, would ensure every student has equal access to peer support. School rules may vary from country to country and in order to prevent disciplinary repercussions, there needs to be a more concerted effort put towards supporting international students as they adjust to the rules of the school.

Mastering Style:

by Ryan Rosenberg

Although it would be enchanting to make snowflakes the new textile trend, floral prints always seem to dominate. Especially on the damp, dreary, and bitter days of winter, Masters students (girls and boys) and even some teachers – loving that embroidered blue, daisy skirt Ms. Cabral – are not shying away from wearing flower-printed clothing. Perhaps the intensity of “flower power” really can brighten our mood. Similarly, as fashion

- John Chen

Flower Power

designer Isaac Mizrahi said, “You can’t be melancholy in fashion because people don’t respond to it.” We choose on those ‘bad-mood, icky weather days’ to wear what might make us feel happy. When thinking about incorporating cheerful flowers into our wardrobe, just as the ‘no navy with black’ rule is ridiculous, so is the notion that seasonal fashion staples cannot mix. This does not simply go for floral prints. Who says summer shorts and wool

tights isn’t a great pairing? I once met a French woman in a boutique on a warm-weathered island who, in response to my concerns about the practicality of a shortsleeved shirt in cold New York weather, said, “You know, you can put a turtleneck under anything!” Planting a garden on our clothing, even when we are waking up to frost-covered grass, sheds a light of hope for the spring ahead.

Letter to the Editors: Preserving your identity on Facebook

- William Street

Editorial: Punishment transcends borders, fair or not

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TOWER/February 4, 2013

FEATURES

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FEATURES

Two juniors expelled for possessing airsoft guns The Journal News publishes gun map, sparking rage and fear across New York by Alex Minton Op-Ed Editor

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wo junior boarding students were dismissed from school the week prior to winter break due to the possession and use of an airsoft gun on campus. While no one was injured, the actions led to the breaking of a dorm window and could have potentially resulted in injury. The unfortunate and very relevant timing of the dismissals soon after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting left many of our own community members with questions regarding campus safety. Faculty and students alike want to be sure that the campus is weaponfree and more importantly, that the school does its best to discourage such behavior. “Currently, we do not have regular room searches,”

Time Weir, Associate Dean of Students, explained. “If I or another faculty member believes there is just cause to search a student’s dorm room, we will. We don’t want to jeopardize a student’s privacy on a regular basis.”

“If I or another faculty member believes there is just cause to search a student’s dorm room, we will. We don’t want to jeopardize a student’s privacy on a regular basis.” Weir explained that at the start of each year half a dozen student handbooks

are placed in the common room of each dorm to be discussed by dorm parents with the boarding population. Currently, the student handbook clearly states on its first page, “In addition to obvious offenses such as hitting, fighting (including “play” fighting), and carrying a weapon, major offenses will result in disciplinary action,” and its list of safety violations includes, “possession of any weapon or ammunition.” Each student however, does not receive an individual copy of the handbook each year. Weir did acknowledge that perhaps the rules could be explained more thoroughly, particularly to students from other countries and cultures where discrepancies may reside regarding appropriate conduct. Still, the school rules and punishments regarding weapons are available to ev-

eryone on the Student Portal. In addition, The Dobbs Ferry Village Code prohibits the “discharge of any species of firearms, air rifles, slingshots or other weapons within the Village limits,” and airsoft

to keep our school safe. Weir explained, “Even some type of check- in process for visitors could help.”

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guns a r e illegal in New York to those 16 or younger. While room checks may not be the solution to a safer campus, there may be other steps we can take

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S e nior and dorm proctor Carly Miller said, “I’m much more concerned with people who are not affiliated with Masters as opposed to our student body.” However, external events often fuel positive change. The Newtown tragedy and these actions on our own campus lead to questions that may help keep students safe. THE AIRSOFT GUN pictured above is similar to the one used by the two boarding juniors who were expelled. While similar to an actual gun in appearance, it fires plastic pellets as opposed to bullets.

by Kiera Wilson

Web Content Manager

It is rare for a small, community-based newspaper grab national attention. However, on December 23, The Journal News published an article titled “The gun owner next door: What you don’t know about the weapons in your neighborhood.” This article made headlines and by mid-January was a hot topic of discussion across the country. The article was posted on the newspaper’s website, lohud.com. The piece included a short article and a video about gun control. The main purpose of the article, however, was an interactive map, which marked all registered gun-owners in both Westchester and Rockland counties. The map is interactive, allowing users to click on each dot, revealing the names and addresses of

gun owners in said counties. There are three “dots” listed within one mile of The Masters School campus, but all three owners refused to comment. The article received mixed reviews from the community originally, but as time went on, reactions became more and more hostile. Comments on the article on the paper’s website criticized the paper - “Reporting names and addresses of individuals who legally own handguns… is journalistic arrogance at its worst,” said Paul Jones, a Facebook commenter. Others on the page called it “liberal rag” and in some cases the piece was even dismissed as an editorial. On January 15, only a few weeks after the article’s publication, Robert Buckley, Vice President of the Affiliated Police Association (APA) of Westchester County, held a press conference in White

Plains regarding the piece. Buckley said APA’s lawyers were evaluating the validity of legal action. According to Buckley, the map could “jeopardize the safety of law enforcement members and civilians.” On the same day as the APA press conference, New York State governor Andrew Cuomo signed into policy the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, an act that creating strict gun control laws in the state. Along with restricting semiautomatic pistols and rifles, the policy allows gun-owners to keep their personal information private. On Friday, January 18, only days after the policy change, lohud. com removed the interactive map from it’s website. The Journal News publisher Janet Hasson acknowledged the removal of the article in a letter posted

Photo by Tyler Pager

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE APA ROBERT BUCKLEY SPEAKS to reporters at a press conference about The Journal News’ gun map. Buckley started a chant that the crowd of law enforcement officers repeated--in reference to the gun map-- ”Take it down!” A News 12 reporter asked if the APA was considering taking legal action against the newspaper. Buckley responded by saying that the APA’s lawyers are “evaluating the situation.” The reporter also raised the issue of the danger members of press at The Journal News are in, as they have received letters and death threats. Buckley said that she was not correct on this point. “If you don’t have no facts, don’t make those comments.”

online. Hasson defended the choice to publish the article as freedom of speech. Kevin McLynn, Westchester resident and gun owner, was happy to hear of the policy change. “I’m not embarrassed to own a gun, but I don’t want to be demonized for it. It’s my business,” McLynn said. The article now includes only a short video and a screenshot of the original map. “We will keep a snapshot of our map… on our website to remind the community that guns are a fact of life we should never forget,” Hasson wrote in her article. The strong community response to this article certainly proves that guns are not only a fact of life but a very hot and sensitive topic. It seems that the gun conversation will not be ending any time soon and sensitive topic. It seems that the gun conversation will not be ending any time soon.

TIMELINE OF MAJOR SHOOTINGS IN THE U.S. Columbine High School, Colorado (April 20, 1999) — The deadliest mass murder on an American high school campus began when seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered 12 students, one teacher and injured 21 others. At the scene, both committed suicide. Reasons for this event remain unclear even after analysts examined Harris’s journal and Klebold’s records. Appalachian School of Law, Virginia (January 16, 2002) — 43-year-old former student Peter Odighizuwa came to the Appalachian School of Law with a handgun. Three people were killed and three others were wounded. He plead guilty and received three life sentences.

Virginia Tech (April 16, 2007) — Seung-Hui Cho, 23 years old, killed 32 and wounded 17 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University before shooting himself. Cho committed the second-deadliest act of mass murder at a US school campus.

University of Alabama (February 12, 2010) — Biology professor Amy Bishop, during a department meeting, began shooting at those closest to her with a 9-millimeter handgun. Three people were killed and three others wounded. She has been sentenced to life in prison.

Wisconsin Sikh temple (August 5, 2012) — Michael Page, a discharged US Army Veteran and white supremacist, killed six people and wounded 4 others. After an officer shot him in the stomach, Page killed himself with a shot through the head. It has been called “an act of terrorism… a hate crime” by US Attorney General Eric Holder.

Tuscon, Arizona (January 8, 2011) — Caught on video by a store security camera, Jared Lee Loughner drew a pistol and began shooting at a meeting called “Congress on Your Corner” in a supermarket. Six died including Arizona District Court Chief Judge John Roll and a nine-year-old girl, Christina-Taylor Green and 12 injured.

Sandy Hook Elementary School (December 14, 2012) — 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire at the Connecticut elementary school attacking children and parents alike. 26 died (20 children and six adults). He killed himself as law enforcement officers arrived at the scene.

Graphic by Teerin Julsawad and Jackie Liu

Tyler courthouse, Texas (February 24, 2005) —David Hernandez Arroyo Sr. began shooting his ex-wife and son in front of a court house. The police fatally shot Arroyo. His ex-wife and a bystander were killed. Four people, including Arroyo’s son, were injured.

West Nickel Mines School, Pennsylvania (October 2, 2006)— Charles Carl Roberts IV took students in the Amish one-room schoolhouse hostage and shot 10 girls, killing five. A few minutes after, he killed himself. Reasons why remain unknown.

Covina, California (December 24, 2008) — Dressed in a Santa suit, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo entered a house where a Christmas Eve party was being held. After firing his gun, he set the house ablaze and shot himself. Nine people either died from gunshot wounds or the fire.

Aurora, Colorado movie theater (July 20, 2012) — 24-year-old James Holmes brought a gun to the theater and started firing across the street from the Century 16 movie theater. 12 people died and 58 were injured during the screening of “The Dark Knight Rises”. He was charged with 24 counts of first-degree murder and 116 counts of attempted murder.

Newly implemented security procedures stir debate following Sandy Hook shooting by Teerin Julsawad

Features Editor

As America grieves over Sandy Hook, schools across the nation plan to strengthen their security in response. Schools have already considered mandatory drills, bulletproof glasses and metal detectors out of fear. Masters has implemented a number of changes in recent weeks. However, questions arose on whether the changes are enough to keep students safe. In recent weeks, new security improvements include the increase of security guards and trainings, installation of blinds in Morris Hall and restricted access to the Middle School building and Masters Hall. Students are also not permitted to use the entrance to the theater in the morning on days when the theater is not being used. Head of School Maureen Fonseca states that the school reviews its

security measures regularly. “It’s continuous,” she said. “We have been working on a plan from a recent security audit, but are due for another very soon. We will bring in experts to look over where we might need more security.” The school hires agencies that carefully examine its safety measures from time to time. However, in the wake of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Fonseca admits the event has pressured the school to close its security gaps. “We did a few things immediately,” she said. “We decided to have additional security guards on campus as well as further trainings that weren’t originally on the schedule.” Despite recent security improvements, the school has never held lockdown drills. According to Dean of Students Priscilla Hindley, the school does have

a lockdown procedure. Without any practices, the procedure itself remains vague to the student body, which prompted sophomore Serena Wessely to write a proposal on the matter. In the event of a lockdown, students and teachers cannot lock themselves inside of a classroom. Wessely, therefore, suggested that there be locks within the classrooms. However, it was not voted upon, as the administrators did not want the school’s security measures legislated by Executive Committee. “I think it’s nice that we have such an open campus and we don’t have to go through metal detectors and all those things,” Wessely said. Despite this, she acknowledges the fact that recent tragic events across the nation have urged her to step up and voice her opinion. She added, “In the wake

of the incident at Newtown, it makes you really think about what could happen if someone would come up to our campus, which is really frightening.” Wessely admits the safety procedures are unclear, especially if the lockdown occurs when students are in an area where the situation becomes tricky. “If we were in the dining hall or in classrooms where there are windows on all sides, such as the fishbowl room, where would we go?” Junior Eleanor McGuirk, who attended her local public school in Connecticut until last year, explains that her school would have lockdown drills a couple of times throughout the year, with each one lasting approximately 10 minutes. “We’d be told about the drill beforehand, and sometime during the school day there would be an announcement over the intercom.” she

said. “The teacher would lock the door of the classroom, the shades would be drawn over the windows and we’d have to be silent with the lights off and hide in the corner of the room farthest from the door. This way we’d be least seen by a gunman in the hallway.” Fonseca explains the reason for the lack of lockdown drills is due to the school’s focus on fire drills. She believes that fire-related incidents pose greater risks. “When you look at statistics, it shows that school fires happen much more often,” she said. Unlike lockdown drills, Fonseca says that there are legal requirements for the school to have a certain number of fire drills they must complete. She added, “There’s also some controversy over whether the drills are the best thing to do because it can be someone within the community who knows

Empire State Building, New York (August 24, 2012) — Jeffrey Johnson fired at Steve Ercolino due to a grudge from being laid off at work. Police killed Johnson and possibly injured bystanders. Two dead and eight wounded. All occurred in the morning on the street outside the Empire State Building.

Students share their views and experiences with guns by Jackie Liu Features Editor

Photo by Tyler Pager

A SECURITY GUARD REDIRECTS a student in the morning from the theater doors to the entrance by the admissions office. The administration has made other security changes since the Sandy Hook shooting.

the system. We have gotten conflicting advice.” With regard to the installation of blinds, Fonseca also believes that the openness could be another form of safety.

“Therecouldbesomething happening inside that we wouldn’t be able to see. But everything has a trade-off.” Regardless, Fonseca acknowledges the fact that recent events have served

as a catalyst for tightening security measures further. “I believe we do need to make time for lockdown drills now,” she said. “I think it will make everyone in the community feel better.”

With an estimated 270 million guns currently held by civilians in the United States, it is not uncommon for civilians to come into contact with them multiple times. Masters is no exception. Students and teachers alike have been involved with firearms, some more than others. Senior Zanny Dow grew up with firearms around her all her life. “My dad is deeply rooted in hunting; it’s both his pastime and heritage. He hunts for the meat and not the recreation, though,” Dow said. “I personally don’t like hunting.” While growing up she knew that firearms were present in her house. However, they were kept in a locked safe which she was not allowed access to.

Senior Nicolas Graziano said that his family, too, owns firearms and he has “been around guns, knives, and swords [his] whole life.” He said, “I first handled a gun at nine or 10.” He said, “I was trained to use a gun by my father so that I would not be scared of them. Learning how to handle a gun is just as important as learning how to handle a knife in the kitchen. When used correctly, it is not harmful.” Similar to Dow, Graziano does not hunt animals. He said, “My father and I have never shot a living animal. We simply shoot targets.” Guns have been used to stop home invasions, animal attacks, and hostile people multiple times throughout the years by police, homeowners, and passerbys alike.

By taking guns out the system, will houses and streets truly be safer? “It’s an easy solution to get rid of guns by making laws,” Dow said, “but what kind of criminal follows laws? If you take guns away, there will be people who can still obtain them anyway.” However, another student whose family owns guns, but who wishes to protect his identity said, “I understand that recreational guns can be fun, but I’d be willing to give up a hobby if it means the streets are safer.” He added, “Taking someone’s property would be nearly impossible, so we need to stop selling them. Stop the market.” Graziano, however, argued, “I don’t think guns should be taken away. It’s a right we have had for over 200 years and, just because some maniac gets

his hands on guns and goes ape s**t, does not mean that everyone has to suffer. Not everyone is going to commit mass murder.” Dow, on the other hand, said that regulation needs to be changed. “We need stricter policies on how to buy guns and more intense background checks involved.” For example, currently, in order to receive a conceived weapons permit in New York State, one goes through a highly intense background check where one must inform the police about arrest and medical records. Gun permits, on the other hand, may just need a signature and a form of ID. “People should be allowed to and able to know how to operate and handle a gun,” Graziano said, “Some one that is not mentality stable, should not have access to guns.”